Hat Naresuan (Hat Khao Kalok)

Hat Naresuan and Hat Khao Kalok are the same beach under two names — a stretch of sand south of Pak Nam Pran in Prachuap Khiri Khan province, with Khao Kalok (“skull mountain”) referring to the rocky headland at its southern end. From a distance the limestone outcrop is said to resemble a skull, which is where the name comes from. Entry is free, and there’s no set closing time — most visitors treat it as a half-day or sunset stop.

The sand is fine and pale gold, and the water stays calm and shallow close to shore, which is the main reason this beach draws Thai families and weekend visitors rather than the international resort crowds further north. The rocky southern end around Khao Kalok breaks up the swimming area into smaller coves and gives snorkellers something to explore, though visibility depends on recent weather — after heavy rain the water clouds up like most of this coastline. A run of small, mostly family-owned resorts and seafood restaurants lines the beach, serving grilled fish and simple Thai food a short walk from the sand.

It’s a quieter beach by Thailand’s standards — no beach clubs, no jet-ski touts working the shoreline, just a working stretch of coast with a scatter of guesthouses. That also means facilities are basic: don’t expect umbrella-and-lounger service or 7-Elevens on every corner.

Insider Tip: The southern end near Khao Kalok has the best rock pools and shade from casuarina trees — worth the extra ten-minute walk if you’re staying at the northern end near Pak Nam Pran.

Watch out: Facilities thin out fast outside the main cluster of resorts — bring water and sun protection if you’re planning to walk the full length of the beach.

It sits close to Pak Nam Pran and Pran Buri Forest Park, both worth combining into the same day if you’re exploring the Pran Buri coast.